We all know someone who is or has been affected by a serious medical condition such as cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, hypertension, stroke, chronic pain or arthritis, to name only a few. The consequences of these conditions are often devastating, shortening lives or making them intolerable, as much for the victims as for their family members.

The researchers and students at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM) are well aware of the need to understand, treat, prevent or even cure these diseases and their effects. Indeed, they have devoted their lives to alleviating the tragic burden of chronic diseases. However, the road is long and requires ongoing funding. Every dollar invested in research counts and brings us one step closer to more effective treatments for and prevention of these conditions.

It is for these reasons that several people and teams are participating in the CRCHUM Challenge, a combined walkathon – semi-marathon next April 29 at Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau, in association with the Scotia Challenge. Their goal? To raise money to support the efforts of CRCHUM’s researchers.

You can participate in this effort in different ways 
 
- walk 5 kilometres or run 5 or 21 kilometres while soliciting funds that will be used to support the CRCHUM’s research activities.
- make a donation or sponsor one of the many people who will walk or run for the CRCHUM next April 29. All donations over $15 are eligible for an income receipt.

CRCHUM Challenge: supporting research

The 2011 edition of the CRCHUM Challenge made it possible for the CRCHUM to collect $80,000, thanks to 155 participants who collectively received more thant 1000 donations.

These funds were invested entirely in direct support for the CHUM Research Centre: a scholarship fund for its students, training activities for its personnel, and support of our research facilities.  Our goal this year is to enhance these initiatives and to develop new ones with the funds raised.

We invite you to join the CHUM’s research community and help make this event a success.

How to get involved

To walk or run for the CRCHUM, you must register on the event’s website (www.canadarunningseries.com/monthalf/montREG.htm) and indicate that you are registering for the CRCHUM. From there, you can choose to join one of the existing CRCHUM teams or remain on your own. Please note that the registration fee is covered by the CRCHUM for all of our participants.

To get your event code, please contact Mireille Chalifour at 514-890-8000 extension 12964 or by email: mireille.chalifour.chum@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.

Only a limited number of places are available, so we ask that you register soon. Joining or creating a team is an effective way to raise funds.

How to make a donation

To make a donation or sponsor one of our participants, please complete the attached donation form and return it to Mireille Chalifour at the address indicated on the form.

Every dollar counts and will contribute directly to building up our research capacity and ability to improve the health of the population.

For all other questions, please contact Mireille Chalifour  at 514 890-8000 extension 12964 or by email: mireille.chalifour.chum@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.

Thank you to all our supporters and donors!